Tuesday, September 4, 2018

Jake McDorman: Daddy Issues


'It doesn’t help matters when prime-time TV has Murphy Brown, a character who supposedly epitomizes today’s intelligent, highly paid, professional woman,  mocking the importance of fathers by bearing a child alone and calling it just another lifestyle choice.'
Dan Quayle, 1992


I didn't watch much of Murphy Brown during it's original run, but I do remember the controversy over her on screen pregnancy and birth of her son Avery. Political footnote Dan Quayle managed to make himself sound like a fool while at the same time, bringing attention, and even higher ratings to the CBS sit-com.


The statement was foolish not because father's aren't important, they are. The statement was foolish as it minimized single mothers, and their parenting skills while making the assumption it was a choice for all.

Cast of Murphy Brown

Well... little Avery has grown up, and grown up nicely in the form of actor Jake McDorman. Many of you may know Jake from his many television and film role roles, most of which wisely find a reason to get him shirtless. In the shows re-boot, Avery works as a conservative anchor host for a rival cable morning show that airs opposite his mother’s show.


Although a great premise for friction, I'm not sure I am up for another political themed show. The current political coverage is exhausting, and even shows that mock and criticize the current administration are getting tiresome. The Good Fight does it really well, but as the season went on I was hoping for a story line not connected to Trump.


I will most likely check out the pilot, if only for nostalgic reasons, and for Jake of course.  I suspect the show's pilot ratings will be solid, not Roseanne solid, but solid.  Continued success however I believe rely on how the show utilizes, but doesn't focus too much on, the current political climate.

Ideal Home (2018)

Shameless (2013-2014)

No comments: